50 Best Updos for Short Hair

Got a new, smoking-hot short haircut but not sure how to style your freshly chopped locks? We’ve found our 50 Best Updos for Short Hair to help you out! Get inspired by fabulous short updos worn by popular female celebrities like Julianne Hough, Rihanna, Scarlett Johansson, Emma Watson, Amber Heard, Carey Mulligan, and many more. Choose from pretty braided updos, edgy pinned styles, glamorous headbands, quirky quiffs, and mini chignons to find a gorgeous new look for your short locks.

1. Julianne Hough Short Updo: Romantic loose curls

American professional ballroom dancer, country music singer and actress Julianne Hough looks gorgeous with her romantic short up’do and lots of loose curls. We love her graceful, side-swept fringe and the soft curls that frame her face – simply divine. Recreate Julianne’s beautiful hairstyle by curling your short locks with a mini curling iron, and then sweeping the longest parts up and securing them with clips or hair pins. Leave lots of curls loose for a whimsical and romantic final look.

South African-born actress Charlize Theron looks divine with her delicately twisted and rolled short up’do. She wears her short blonde hair in a side parting, with the larger section of hair smoothed across her hairline and then rolled and twisted to one side. This short up’do works well with thick, straight hair, and it requires minimal styling tools and hair products (blow-dryer, mini hair straightener, anti-frizz serum and a light hairspray).

4. Natalie Portman Short Updo: Mini bun and pretty headband

Black Swan actress Natalie Portman looks radiantly beautiful with her short chestnut locks in a mini bun. We love her beautiful sparkly headband, and the natural wispy texture of her hair. Recreate Natalie’s gorgeous hairstyle in three easy steps: 1. use a texturizing spray on damp hair and pull your locks up into a mini bun, 2. tease hair at the crown for a bit of sexy volume, and 3. slip a pretty headband into your hair, about three horizontal fingers space away from your hairline. Finish off the look with smoky eye makeup and shimmery lips.

5. Rihanna Short Updo: Two-tone swirl

Barbadian singer Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty looks absolutely fabulous with her two-tone hair styled in a quirky swirled up’do. She rocks her side-shaved ‘do with dark sunnies, berry lippy, and loads of jewelry. Recreate Rihanna’s look (without shaving your head!) by scraping hair back at the sides, and pumping the top section full of volume. Create a swirl by twisting your hair and then pinning it discreetly, and set your short up’do with some extra strength hairspray.

6. Gwen Stefani Short Updo: Quirky knots

American singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani looks fierce with her quirky knotted up’do. Gwen isn’t a stranger to interesting hairstyles, and she keeps her look fresh and funky by wearing her short platinum blonde locks in two twisted knots. Her deep side parting gives her look a touch of glamour, and she’s positioned her knots asymmetrically for a modern edge. Secure your knots with hairbands, and conceal them with sections of hair for a polished final look.

Advertisement

7. Emma Watson Short Updo: Cute curled side fringe

English actress Emma Watson looks gorgeous with her short, glossy chestnut brown locks in a cute, curly up’do. Emma wears her hair in a half-up hairdo with her curls tucked behind her ears, and she sports a delicately curled side-fringe that accentuates her deep brown eyes. Recreate Emma’s lovely short up’do by curling your side-fringe with a mini curling iron, and treating your hair with a light, non-greasy anti-frizz spray to tame fuzz and flyaway hairs.

8. Amber Heard Short Updo: Sexy quiff

American actress and model Amber Heard looks confident and carefree with her platinum blonde locks styled in a quirky quiff. This simple short up’do is both sexy and stylish, and it suits Amber’s bubbly personality perfectly. To create your own quiff, first gather hair from the sides and pin it back so that only the top section of hair remains. Tease hair at the crown, and use lots of light-touch hairspray to keep it perky and standing up. Finish off this look with bright red lippy and a big, confident smile.

9. Ginnifer Goodwin Short Updo: Pixie cut with headband

Actress Ginnifer Goodwin dresses up her chic pixie cut with a delicate gold headband and soft, feathered bangs. Although it’s not technically an up’do, this short hairstyle is a great option for adding some glamour to a very short haircut. For extra impact, use a volume boosting mousse and tease hair so that it sticks up a bit. Work some texturizing spray into your bangs with your fingers for a soft and romantic touch.

10. Pink Short Updo: Fauxhawk with pink streaks

Singer Pink looks confident and playful with her daring fauxhawk, swirled curls, and hot-pink streaks at the nape of her neck. This is a great short up’do if you’re looking for a more alternative hairstyle, and it’s super-easy to recreate at home. Use hair slides to create your fauxhawk, making sure that you leave the top section quite messy, and curl your fringe with a mini curling wand. If you don’t want permanent pink streaks, try hair chalk – it’s easy to apply, bright, and easy to remove!

11. Farah Fath Short Updo: Half-up hairdo

Days of our Lives actress Farah Fath looks gorgeous with her simple-yet-chic half-up hairdo. This short up’do is perfect for fine/thin hair, as it gives your locks more definition and volume. Recreate Farah’s short up’do by gathering the top section of your hair together, teasing it at the crown to form a mini bouffant, and then securing it behind your head in a half-up hairstyle. Embrace your hair’s natural texture for a soft and romantic look.

12. Charlize Theron Short Updo: Curled chignon and sparkly headband

Movie star Charlize Theron looks divine with her short golden tresses worn in a curled chignon with a sparkly headband. If you’re looking for a glamorous short up’do for a special event, a chignon is a great choice as it is classy and easy to style. Simply gather your hair to one side at the nape of your neck, twist it into a loose bun, and secure it with discreet hair pins to keep it in place. Finish off this romantic look with a sparkly headband and little pearl earrings.

13. Hayden Panettiere Short Updo: Spiked pixie cut

Nashville actress Hayden Panettiere looks striking with her spiked blonde pixie cut. This is a great up’do style for very short hair, as it gives your hair some sexy volume and extra definition. Although you may not have enough hair to tie up, you can still style your locks skywards with extra-strength hair gel and a fine comb. Once you’ve styled your hair, blow-dry it on cool to set the gel.

14. Emily Blunt Short Updo: Side-swept fringe

English actress Olivia Blunt looks classy and sophisticated with her sleek and shiny short up’do. She wears her chestnut brown locks pinned back, with a twisted side-fringe and a few loose face-framing tendrils of hair. For hair as healthy and shiny as Olivia’s, introduce these hair-friendly foods into your diet: foods rich in good fats, such as peanut butter, olive oil, avocado, oily fish (e.g., salmon and sardines), and nuts.

15. Carey Mulligan Short Updo: Soft wave

The Great Gatsby actress Carey Mulligan looks positively radiant with her short hair done up in a soft wave. She wears her hair pinned back at the sides, with a little quiff on top. To recreate Carey’s romantic hairstyle, start by preparing your hair for styling with volume boosting shampoo, conditioner, and styling mousse. Blow-dry your hair carefully with a small round brush, teasing it at the crown. Once you’ve styled it, set it with some light, non-greasy hairspray.

16. Anne Hathaway Short Updo: Playful pixie

Les Miserables actress Anne Hathaway looks smoking hot with her playful pixie cut styled in a short up’do. She sports cute, dynamic waves at the top of her head, and her hair is pinned back at the sides for a sleek finish. For Anne’s messy-yet-chic hairstyle, work styling mousse into your locks with your fingers, giving them definition and natural texture. Use some hairspray to keep them in place all night long.

17. Alicia Keys Short Updo: Up-and-over sweep

Singer-songwriter and musician Alicia Keys mixes it up with her short hair styled in a daring up-and-over sweep. This simple hairstyle is bound to turn heads with its unusual, “upside down” wave. If you want to recreate this look at home, invest in a good quality, strong-holding wet-look gel that will keep your hair in place. Use a comb to sweep your hair up, and leave the tips dry for a bold contrast.

18. Hayden Panettiere Short Updo: Curled and slicked back

Nashville actress and singer Hayden Panettiere rocks a sexy slicked-back ‘do with teased, wet-look curls. This is a great short up’do for straight, wavy, and naturally curly hair. To get a just-stepped-out-of-the-ocean look, use a wet-look hair gel and dry it with a blow-dryer on low heat. Pair this look with sultry smoky eye makeup, dewy skin, and shimmery nude lips for extra impact.

19. Dianna Agron Short Updo: Puffy bouffant

Glee actress and singer Dianna Agron is right on trend with her long, blunt bob and a puffy, voluminous bouffant. She wears her hair super-straight and tucked behind her ears, with her bouffant taking center stage. This short up’do is perfect for fine/thin, straight hair, and it’s super-easy to style. Simply tease the top section of hair at the crown into a bouffant, and use hair spray to keep it perky and puffy.

20. Evan Rachel Wood Short Updo: Rose gold twists

American actress Evan Rachel Wood shows off delightful rose-gold twists in her short hair. If your hair is not long enough to gather together and tie up, take inspiration from Rachel and style your hair in cute, quirky twists. If you want a chic, polished look, try to twist equal sections of hair and pin them in a radiating pattern with a slightly larger fringe section.

21. Marion Cotillard Short Updo: Sleek fauxhawk

French actress and singer Marion Cotillard looks fabulous with her sleek fauxhawk and a perfect long blunt bob. The fauxhawk (“fake mohawk”) is a great, non-permanent alternative to a shaved mohawk, and it can give your look a super stylish edge. This short up’do works best with thick, straight hair that is easy to style. Pair this look with natural makeup for a feminine look, or bold red lippy for a sex-kitten look.

22. Nicole Richie Short Updo: Mini bun with loose tendrils

Reality TV personality and socialite Nicole Richie looks gorgeous with her blonde locks done up in a mini, messy bun with a few long tendrils of hair left loose to frame her face. If you have enough hair to create a small bun, secure it with a lot of discreet pins or a pretty hair clip. Leave some hair loose at the front for a romantic, soft finishing touch.

23. Jennifer Lawrence Short Updo: Perky pixie

The Hunger Games actress Jennifer Lawrence looks smoking hot with perky spikes in her short pixie cut. JLaw shows us that you don’t need long hair to rock an up’do – you just need a fun and creative style! If you have a relatively long pixie cut, you can use styling wax or gel to create little peaks in your hair. Use a texturizing spray for soft, fluffy locks, and use your fingers for styling to create a sexy and messy short up’do hairstyle.

24. Kirsten Dunst Short Updo: Loose crown braid with headband

Actress Kirsten Dunst looks divine with her short blonde locks styled in a crown braid with a delicate floral headband. Crown braids are simple, feminine, and super-stylish – perfect for weddings and other special occasions. To create a crown braid, take a section of hair from above each temple, and braid each section carefully. Drape the braids over your head to meet in the middle, and secure them to create a crown. Easy!

25. Chelsea Kane Short Updo: Voluminous bun with long side-bangs

American actress and singer Chelsea Kane looks stunning with her dark blonde locks done up in a voluminous bun. She sports long, messy side bangs that frame her face, and her hair has been teased at the crown to give it loads of sexy volume. If your hair isn’t long enough to secure in a mini bun, you can tease your locks and then secure your hair with hair clips at the back of your head. Alternatively, you could wear a pretty headband to keep your short locks in place.

26. Gwen Stefani Short Updo: Sexy side swirl

Songstress and style icon Gwen Stefani looks sweeter than soft-serve with her sexy side-swirl up’do. We love Gwen’s innovative and funky personal style, and she never disappoints when it comes to showing off her ever-changing platinum locks. Recreate Gwen’s short up’do by combing your hair into a deep side-parting, and then twirling the bigger section of hair to one side. Secure your swirl with discreet hair pins and some extra strength hairspray, and you’re good to go.

27. Rihanna Short Updo: Daring mohawk

Songstress Rihanna looks fierce with her daring mohawk hairstyle, shimmery eye-shadow, and super-long lashes. She rocks her edgy side-shaved hairstyle by wearing the top section of hair up in gravity defying peaks. If you love this hairstyle but you’re not keen to shave your head, recreate it by slicking back the side sections of your hair and spiking up the top section with an extra-strong-hold hair gel.

28. Carey Mulligan Short Updo: Micro fishtail braid

The Great Gatsby star Carey Mulligan looks utterly adorable with a micro fishtail braid in her short blonde locks. Braided bangs are trending at the moment, and they suit every face shape and hair type. All you need is a few inches of hair, and you can create pretty and feminine micro braids. Wear one braid in your hair as a statement piece, or create a few for an edgy and funky look.

29. Jennie Garth Short Updo: Braided fauxhawk

American actress Jennie Garth looks striking with her unusual braided fauxhawk hairstyle. This short up’do is modern and stylish, and we love the contrast between the delicate side braids and the bold, puffy bouffant. To recreate this hairstyle, start by straightening your hair with a flat iron. Then, braid each side section, taking care to keep the braids smooth and close to the scalp. Finish off by teasing the top section of hair, and setting it with a light, non-greasy hairspray.

30. Michelle Williams Short Updo: Pixie with headband

Actress Michelle Williams looks radiantly beautiful with her strawberry blonde pixie cut and a simple black headband. Pixie cuts can be difficult to style for formal occasions, especially if you have very short locks. Give your hairstyle a glamorous touch with hair accessories like chic headbands and sparkly hair clips – even a single flower tucked behind one ear will make a style statement.

31. Scarlett Johansson Short Updo: Teased, voluminous bouffant

Actress Scarlett Johansson looks smoking hot with her teased, voluminous bouffant and lots of natural texture. She rocks her short hair by wearing it up in soft, messy waves that are highlighted towards the tips. To get thick, voluminous waves like Scarlett’s, invest in some volume boosting hair styling mousse and a texturizing spray. Work the mousse into your damp roots, blow-dry your hair vigorously, and then use the texturizing spray to enhance your natural fuzz and flyaway hairs for a romantic finishing touch.

32. Emma Watson Short Updo: Sleek half-up hairdo

English actress Emma Watson is a picture of perfection with her sleek half-up hairdo and bright cerise lippy. This short up’do is classy and sophisticated, and it’s simple enough for everyday wear – a great style for school, university, or work. If you have thin, poker-straight hair, then this style is for you. Simply take a section of hair from each temple, secure them together in a half-up ‘do behind your head, and smooth out your side bangs for a fresh and playful look.

33. Nicole Richie Short Updo: Mini braided bun

Reality TV personality and socialite Nicole Richie is right on trend with her French braided hairstyle and a mini, twirled bun. Braids are feminine and timeless, and you can update any hairstyle with an intricate braided section. There are truly hundreds of styles to choose from, so take a look at online step-by-step tutorials and find a few that appeal to you. With some experimenting and creativity, you’ll find one that suits you perfectly.

34. Diane Kruger Short Updo: Messy chignon and pinned side fringe

German actress and former fashion model Diane Kruger looks stunning with her short golden tresses in a messy chignon, and her side fringe pinned back with bold bobby pins. For extra impact, wear your hair in a striking deep middle parting, and embrace flyaway hairs and fuzz. Use lots of big, black (or colourful) hair pins in your fringe to make a style statement, and keep your makeup toned down for a flirty and romantic final look.

35. Scarlett Johansson Short Updo: Milkmaid braid

Actress Scarlett Johansson looks divine with a thick milkmaid braid in her dark blonde hair. This short up’do works best with collarbone-length hair (e.g., a long bob), as you need a bit of length for a full milkmaid braid. Recreate Scarlett’s beautiful up’do by braiding sections of hair from each temple, and then securing them at the back of your head to create a complete circle. If your hair is shorter, simply braid the sides and pin them halfway.

36. Carey Mulligan Short Updo: Messy braided up’do

Actress Carey Mulligan looks gorgeous with her messy-yet-chic braided up’do. This short up’do is all about texture and volume, so prepare your hair for styling with some volume boosting mousse and a light texturizing spray. Then, create little knots and braids in your locks, starting with your bangs and working your way around your hairline. Layer your braids for extra impact.

37. Julianne Hough Short Updo: Mini quiff

Safe Haven actress Julianne Hough looks stunning with her dark blonde hair done up in a perky mini quiff. This short up’do is both pretty and eye-catching, and we love how it accentuates Julianne’s icy blue eyes. All you need to do is tease your top section of hair, comb it to one side, and set it with hairspray to keep it up all day/night. Pair this simple, chic hairdo with smoky eyes and nude lips for extra impact.

38. Natalie Portman Short Updo: Simple mini bun

Black Swan actress Natalie Portman radiates natural beauty with her short brunette locks pulled back into a simple mini bun. Confident, flirty, and classic, this short up’do is perfect for any face shape and hair type. If you want to glam it up, add a pretty hairband or hair clip, and curl a few strands of hair to frame your face.

39. Evan Rachel Wood Short Updo: Flirty flop

American actress, fashion model and singer Evan Rachel Wood looks divine with her short blonde hair styled in a flirty flop. This short up’do is a softer and more feminine version of the fauxhawk, and it’s much easier to style. Simply create a deep side parting in your hair, work volume boosting mousse into your hair, and position it in a cute and quirky “flopped” style.

40. Julianne Hough Short Updo: Subtle fauxhawk

Safe Haven actress Julianne Hough has fun with her short hair by wearing it in a kooky fauxhawk with subtle curls and pinned back sides. We love the messy, carefree texture of her hair, her stylish ear-cuff, and her smoky eye makeup. Simply gorgeous.

41. Rihanna Short Updo: Baby beehive

Barbadian beauty and singer Rihanna looks stunning with her two-tone hair done up in a mini beehive hairstyle. This short retro up’do is quirky and stylish, and we love how RiRi has left her bangs loose to frame her face. Make your own beehive hairstyle by pumping your hair full of volume, and then securing it in a modified half-up hairstyle. Use anti-frizz serum liberally for a smooth finish.

42. Cameron Diaz Short Updo: Simple-yet-chic bun

Comedy actress Cameron Diaz looks superb with her short blonde hair done in a simple bun. She gives this simple short up’do a touch of glamour with a puffy bouffant and sweeping, piecey bangs. Sometimes less really is more, so keep your straightforward up’do sleek, polished, and sophisticated with an anti-frizz spray and a good quality hair straightener.

43. Naomi Watts Short Updo: Knotted chignon

British-Australian actress Naomi Watts looks divine with her short blonde locks done up in a knotted chignon. We love her dynamic hair color and the platinum highlights and honey blonde low-lights that brighten up her complexion. Take inspiration from Naomi and give your hairdo some sex appeal by teasing it at the crown, backcombing it carefully, and pumping it full of volume with volume-boosting hair products.

44. Julianne Hough Short Updo: Casual braided up’do

Actress Julianne Hough looks stunning with her pretty braided up’do, glowing peachy cheeks, and electric blue eyes. She’s right on trend with braided details in her hair, and we love her rich golden blonde hair color. Braids are incredibly versatile: wear them tight and sleek for a sophisticated, classy look, or loose and wispy for a soft and romantic look.

45. Charlize Theron Short Updo: Bouffant with simple headband

Movie star Charlize Theron looks striking with her quirky bouffant and a simple black headband. This short up’do is all about sexy volume, so start by preparing your hair with volume boosting hair care products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner, styling mousse). Then, blow-dry it with a round brush, and use extra strength hairspray and a comb to create soft, whimsical waves. Keep your hair in place with a simple headband and you’re done!

46. Chelsea Kane Short Updo: Braided bangs

American actress and singer Chelsea Kane looks divine with her short, buttery blonde hair and delicately braided bangs. This simple short up’do is cute and feminine, and it’s super-easy to style at home. Simply pull your bangs/fringe to one side, braid them in a style of your choice (e.g., 3 strand, French, or fishtail), and pin them to keep them in place.

47. Julianne Hough Short Updo: Braided up’do

Actress Julianne Hough shows off yet another stylish braided up’do that makes the most of her sexy, short haircut. She wears her golden locks in a thick French braid across her hairline, keeping hair out of her eyes and giving her tresses some definition. Find a braided style that suits you by searching online for step-by-step tutorials. With some practice, you can recreate short braided up’dos at home!

48. Nicole Richie Short Updo: Low braided bun

Reality TV personality and socialite Nicole Richie keeps her look classic and chic with a low braided bun and a deep middle parting. We love her laid-back hairstyle, and the trendy side-braids that make her hairdo more interesting. This short up’do is super-easy to recreate at home, and it’s perfect for everyday wear.

49. Scarlett Johansson Short Updo: Perfect bouffant

Actress Scarlett Johansson looks fabulous with her short golden blonde hair done up in a perfect bouffant. We love everything about this hairstyle: the gravity-defying volume, sleek and smooth finish, and the luminous, shimmery hair color that brightens her complexion. Pair this sexy short up’do with jewel-tone eye-shadow (e.g., emerald, sapphire, or amethyst) for maximum impact.

50. Julianne Hough Short Updo: Voluminmous up’do with thin headband

Actress Julianne Hough rocks a messy, sexy bedhead hairstyle that is tamed by a thin black headband. We love the natural, “fuzzy” texture of her locks, and her summery blonde hair colour. Take inspiration from Julianne and use hair accessories to update a simple short up’do.

So there you have it – our 50 Best Updos for Short Hair! We’re sure you’ve found a style that suits you, so get experimenting and own your new look!